DRIVEN: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi SE hybrid

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is the plug-in version of the second-generation gasoline-electric hybrid Fusion.

It has been refreshed for 2017 with a new face and upgraded interior.

The new front fascia includes a wider grill flanked by LED headlights that sweep back around the corners. The rear end is similarly updated, with a more horizontal look and the alloy wheels are new.

The biggest single change inside is the replacement of the conventional shift lever with a rotary knob; this frees up space on the console allowing better placement of the cup holders and a larger storage area. Materials have been upgraded and Sync3 replaces MyFord Touch.

The latest Fusion continues to offer plenty of interior space. Two big adults can fit comfortably in the rear. Trunk space in the Energi has been severely compromised by the big lithium-ion battery, it is half the size of that provided in non-hybrid Fusions.

Ford produces several hybrid versions of the Fusion. The ‘normal’ gasoline-electric version comes in S, SE, and Titanium trim levels. The plug-in Energi version comes in SE and Titanium trims.

The difference between the Fusion hybrid and Fusion Energi is that the latter relies more heavily on electric motivation and can be plugged in to an electrical outlet and recharged.

The Fusion Hybrid, like all hybrids, uses an internal combustion engine, combined with an electric motor. The two work in conjunction with one another, with the electric motor providing power under low-speed, low-load conditions.

The engine cuts in quickly and becomes the primary source of power, supplemented by the electric motor under heavy throttle use.

The Fusion Energi’s primary source of power is the electric motor, which produces 118 horsepower and maximum torque from rest. Power comes from a large 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted aft of the rear seat. It is the primary energy source up to 130 km/h and/or as much as 30 km when fully charged.

As opposed to the Fusion hybrid, with the Fusion Energi you don’t have to pussy-foot with the throttle to prevent the gasoline engine from coming into play.

You can use EV mode to ensure the motor is the main motivator unless you use full throttle such as when passing or climbing a steep hill. Under those conditions, the 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine joins the party.

The battery is charged while underway from a second motor-generator driven by the engine and from regenerative braking (heat created by the brakes is converted to electricity) and sent to the battery.

Or — and here is the main difference between Energi and hybrid Fusions — the Energi can be plugged into the grid, recharging a depleted battery in seven hours from a normal 110-volt outlet.

If your daily drive is less than say 25 km one-way, and you plug in at work and home, you never need to use gasoline. If you wander further, there is no range anxiety, because the gasoline engine allows a range of up to 800 km.

The really good news — if you live in a province that encourages electric vehicles — you can all but eliminate the $5,000 spread between the hybrid and Energi models with government incentives.

In Ontario, that is up to $7,730, in Quebec, $4,000, and in B.C., $2,500 in B.C. None of the Atlantic provinces offer such incentives.

Driving the Fusion Energi is much like driving any hybrid. The first hint something is different comes when you press the start button — nothing happens. Or at least it sounds and feels that way.

The instrument panel tells you it is OK to go and when you press the accelerator the car does move. The difference is there is no engine noise or vibration — because the engine is not operating. This continues until you run out of juice from the battery or need more ooomph.

It is a leisurely process though. With 188 horses in the corral to push two tons of vehicle, acceleration from rest to 100 km/h is a leisurely 15 seconds. In full hybrid mode with engine and motor both in the game, that time is cut in half, putting it in the range of what is considered normal these days.

In electric-only mode this is an extremely quiet car. It remains so even when the engine joins the game. But if you are using full throttle, the CVT transmission keeps the engine at maximum noise level.

The ride quality is smooth and handling properties surprising considering the type, weight and purpose of this vehicle. The low-rolling resistance tires are quick to let you know when you are pushing too hard.

At this point the stability control system senses the loss of grip and reigns things in. But rarely will a Fusion Energi be driven in this manner.

The Fusion Energi may be poorly named — there is a distinct lack of energy — but is a refined and spacious car with exceptional efficiency.

Unfortunately, if you do not live where incentives bring the cost down, you are probably as far ahead with the Fusion hybrid.